FULL-SCALE OCBC CYCLE 2023 TO RETURN IN MAY

The first full-scale OCBC Cycle event will return on 6 and 7 May since the Covid-19 pandemic, 2023 also marks the 15th anniversary of the event.

About 7,000 cyclists are expected to take part in-person in Singapore’s marquee cycling event which will comprise two new ride categories and two new sponsors – Samsung and Decathlon.

RIDE CATEGORIES

The popular 40km Sportive Ride is back, a favourite among cycling enthusiasts who appreciate the unique experience of cycling on closed roads against the iconic Singapore cityscape.

INDOOR RIDE

The two new categories are the inaugural Indoor Ride by Shimano where cyclists can compete against one another on stationary bikes using the Zwift platform.

This will take place at the Singapore Sports Hub’s Shimano Cycling World. Up to 192 participants will race against the clock to complete the furthest distance within 15 minutes. The top 18 will progress to the grand finals where they will complete a virtual 10km course. The top three will be the winners.

VIRTUAL RIDES

The other is the 500km Virtual ride, targeted at those looking to challenge themselves in their own time and pace. This will be the event’s longest-ever distance to date.

The virtual 100km and 200km rides, which were introduced during the pandemic and proved to be popular among the cycling community, are also back. For the three virtual ride categories, participants have a maximum of four rides, to be completed in their own time and leisure, to clock the total distance.

EARLY BIRD PRIZES

New partners Samsung sponsored prizes for the early birds at the launch event, including the top prize of the Samsung galaxy watch5 pro worth $705 for the first five participants to register for OCBC Cycle 2023.

In first spot and one of those walking away with the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 pro was Terence Fong, 45, who had been queuing since yesterday afternoon. Fong is an avid cyclist who has taken part in OCBC Cycle for the past 10 years.

Said Fong, “Cycling is my passion. I do this every year, so I thought I would continue with it.”

Fret not, for those who were not early enough. Participants who registered at the launch were also eligible to enter a lucky draw and stand to win the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra as the grand prize. For those who can’t make it to the event and choose to register online, sign up by 7 March and stand a chance to take home prizes such as a $4555 Brompton bicycle.

A FUN AND HEALTHY PLATFORM

Today’s event was the first in-person launch event in three years and proceedings were kickstarted by Helen Wong, Group CEO, OCBC Bank, Lim Teck Yin, CEO, Sport Singapore, Hing Siong Chee, President, Singapore Cycling Federation and Jaime Ho, Editor, Straits Times.

Said Ms Wong, “Over the past 15 years, OCBC Cycle has given cyclists and the community a fun and healthy platform to bond. It has also grown to be an integral part of the ecosystem for cycling in Singapore.”

During the pandemic, cycling has seen exponential growth, a trend that is set to continue with Singapore’s push to become a car-lite society with an increasing network of cycling paths around the island.

Added Ms Wong, “Cycling on closed vehicular roads in a big scale is, however, something that only OCBC Cycle can offer. That’s why I can’t wait to cycle with everyone once again in May.”

Mr Lim also shares her sentiments. He added, “We are excited to welcome back OCBC CYCLE 2023 to a busy local sporting calendar. As the largest mass cycling event in Singapore, OCBC CYCLE has not only encouraged the growth of cycling over the past 15 years, but the importance of active lifestyles for everyone in the community too. We hope that OCBC CYCLE will continue to inspire Singaporeans to take up the sport of cycling.”